Staff Thermal Controls Systems Engineer

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 171,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering joint venture that is redefining the future of electric vehicles. As part of the Thermal software team, you will develop advanced algorithms to enhance the thermal performance of critical vehicle systems. This role involves cross-functional collaboration to ensure that subsystems meet design requirements, while also driving the implementation of innovative thermal management solutions. You will leverage your expertise in engineering fundamentals and software development to create models that optimize performance and comfort. Be part of a forward-thinking team that is committed to sustainability and excellence in the automotive industry.

Benefits

Medical/Rx Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Coverage effective on first day of employment

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience with thermal control systems and software.
• Strong proficiency in developing control-oriented dynamic system models.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to design thermal systems for vehicles.
• Research and develop thermal models for HVAC and powertrain management.

Skills

Thermal Control Systems

Heat Transfer

Thermodynamics

Matlab

Python

System Modeling

Data Analysis

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering

Degree in Computer Science or related STEM disciplines

Tools

Simulink

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

Role Summary

The Thermal software team develops sophisticated algorithms to manage the thermal performance of the powertrain, battery packs, heat pump, and cabin HVAC systems. As part of the team, you will be collaborating with designers, engineering, manufacturing, firmware, and service and require the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to model and design thermal systems.

Responsibilities

• Work cross functionally with the design and development engineers throughout the engineering organization to ensure the relevant subsystems are designed with appropriate requirements, interfaces and interactions to achieve specific vehicle functions.
• Break down new, high-level feature requests into sub-system and component level requirements, and drive the implementation, testing and release.
• Research and develop estimation and physics based thermal models for thermal management of the cabin HVAC, heat pump, battery, and powertrain to deliver the best customer-experience in terms of performance, range, NVH, and cabin comfort.
• Develop control-oriented system models and use them to develop and refine control strategies.
• Ability to leverage numerical system models to define and validate requirements, evaluate system performance and perform trade-off studies.
• Work collaboratively with mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineers to define control system capability and establish actuation/sensing requirements.
• Work with Thermal Management Module SW and integration engineers to implement, test, and debug algorithms.
• Ability to develop strategies to find outliers based on fleet analysis and apply these in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM disciplines.
• 5+ years relevant industry experience working with thermal control systems and software.
• 2-5+ years software engineering experience is required.
• Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamics, devices like heat exchangers, compressors, valves, pumps, fans, and heaters along with their subsystem and system-level interactions.
• Strong proficiency in developing controls creating controls-oriented dynamic system models of thermal, hydraulic, or mechanical systems in Matlab/Simulink/Python etc. is required.
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art system modeling techniques for electric motors, inverters, batteries (latest Li-Ion chemistry) and thermal management.
• Excellent proficiency with analysis of large data sets in Matlab/Python.
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and execute on open-ended projects in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment. Demonstrated leadership skills, people management and organizing leading the work of others.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: $171,100 - $213,900 per year (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].